Memorial Day is this weekend and it is a reminder of all the sacrifices that our troops and their family’s make every day to defend our great country.

“It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.” – General Norman Schwarzkopf Jr.

Sacrifices that start with a mother or father that has to leave their children, their spouses and their families for months if not years at a time. All the missed birthdays, anniversaries, a baby’s first step, a child that graduates, weddings and funerals. Can you imagine what it would be like to leave your family for extended periods at a time? Most of us cannot.

“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” – Maya Angelou

And when they come back, sometimes they are the same person who left. They fight the anger, despair, stress, PTSD, lost limbs and many more tragedies that effects not just them but their entire family. What sacrifices these men, women and their families go through to keep America protected.

“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” – President Harry S. Truman

I am truly grateful for ALL that you do to keep us safe because without you, there would be no America, at least America as we know it with all of our freedoms.

“Memorial Day this year is especially important as we are reminded almost daily of the great sacrifices that the men and women of the Armed Services make to defend our way of life.” Robin Hayes

The words “thank you” do not seem good enough. Your sacrifices can never be repaid. But thank you is all I can think to say. Thank you to all the veterans past and present and to all their families for all that you do and will continue to do in the name of freedom!

Thank you for your service! Thank you sacrifices! Thank you for protecting us! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I am forever grateful!

Today and every day I honor and celebrate you! God bless you and God bless the USA! We love you!!!

I found this Memorial Day poem written by Emily Toma that I would like to share. Simple and to the point.

“Remember those who served before. Remember those who are no more. Remember those who serve today. Remember them as we eat and play. Remember our protectors- who are not home today. Remember them all on Memorial Day.”

I will leave you with some lyrics from “Proud To Be An American” by Lee Greenwood. Every time I hear this song, I cry because I am very patriotic and SO Proud To Be An American! And I give thanks today and every day to those who give that right to me!

“That I’m proud to be an American

Where at least I know I’m free

And I won’t forget the men who died

Who gave that right to me

And I gladly stand up

Next to you and defend her still today

Cause there ain’t no doubt,

I love this land God bless the USA”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!